There are hopes the end of the polytech amalgamation can happen smoothly.  

The Government has halted the plan which would consolidate 16 polytechnics and nine workplace training providers.  

Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds —herself a former chief executive of the Southern Institute of Technology— says they're looking at having eight to ten providers total. 

She told Mike Hosking that a key part of the process will be looking after those most affected by any changes.  

Simmonds says they will need to make sure students are kept safe. 

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